LFCS Essential Commands Practice Question
A user wants to view the contents of a compressed log file /var/log/syslog.2.gz without decompressing it first. Which command should they use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse `zcat` with `gunzip` or assume `less` can handle compressed files natively, but the LFCS exam expects knowledge of the specific command designed for viewing compressed files without decompression.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
zcat /var/log/syslog.2.gz
`zcat` is a utility that reads compressed files (typically gzip-compressed) and outputs their decompressed content to standard output without permanently decompressing the file. This allows the user to view the contents of `/var/log/syslog.2.gz` directly in the terminal.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
gunzip /var/log/syslog.2.gz
Why it's wrong here
This decompresses and removes .gz extension, not what user wants.
- ✗
cat /var/log/syslog.2.gz
Why it's wrong here
cat outputs binary garbage.
- ✓
zcat /var/log/syslog.2.gz
Why this is correct
zcat reads gzip files directly.
- ✗
less /var/log/syslog.2.gz
Why it's wrong here
less may not handle compressed files without configuration.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LFCS practice question is part of Courseiva's free Linux Foundation certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LFCS exam.